Hyper Shocker 24" Mountain Bike vs Giant Talon 24 Kid's Bike

The Giant Talon 24 is the better bike for most young riders. Its ALUXX aluminum frame is lighter and better sized for a kid than the Shocker's alloy steel, and the Shimano Tourney drivetrain and Revoshift shifter are simpler and more reliable than the Shocker's 18-speed twist setup. The Shocker counters with dual suspension and 18 speeds, which suits rougher off-road riding, but owners report it is heavy and the extra gears need more tuning. Buy the Giant for a confident, long-lasting first mountain bike; buy the Hyper if you want full suspension and more gears for trail play.

• Choose the Hyper Shocker if you want dual suspension and 18 speeds for rougher off-road riding and your rider is ready for more gear maintenance.
• Choose the Giant Talon 24 if you want a lighter aluminum frame, dependable Shimano shifting and a bike that will hold up through years of neighborhood and trail riding.